The facility is equipped with advanced process equipment, such as a computer-controlled storage tank and batch compounding system, and automated filling equipment, which exceeds ergonomic standards and helps ensure high quality and efficient throughput rates. Production supports paint batches as large as 10,000 gallons, and the facility will manufacture more than 15 million gallons of water-based latex paint per year at full capacity.

Products will be sold under the Olympic, Lucite, Pittsburgh and other PPG paint brands.

“PPG looks forward to an exciting future as a business partner in Northern Nevada,” said Terry McGinnis, plant manager. “Our current and future employees will be trained to help make PPG Reno a world-class facility, and we take pride in helping to diversify the regional economy.”

The plant start-up team consists of 25 people hired primarily from the Northern Nevada area. Another 15 to 20 employees are expected to be hired to complement future operations.

PPG broke ground for the facility in September 2006, and primary construction was completed early this year. The building incorporates environmentally-sound, “green” building technologies by PPG such as ENERGY STAR-rated Duranar coatings and Solarban 70XL solar control low-emissivity (low-e) glass.

About PPGPittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, chemicals, optical products, specialty materials, glass and fiber glass. The company has more than 150 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates and operates in more than 60 countries. PPG’s sales in 2007 were $11.2 billion. SigmaKalon, a worldwide coatings producer based in Uithoorn, Netherlands, that PPG acquired Jan. 2, 2008, had 2007 sales of $2.9 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.